Nov 23rd Sermon
There's hate instead of love. Needs outweigh jobs and money. Fear overshadows peace. Yet, in the midst of negativity, the gospel of Jesus flourishes like never before...
Key Points this week:
1. Scarcity starts in the mind before it ever reaches our circumstances.
Haggai 1:6 shows how fear traps us in a cycle of “not enough,” even when God has provided.
2. God does extraordinary things with ordinary things.
Like the widow’s small jar of oil (2 Kings 4), what looks insignificant to us becomes powerful in God’s hands.
3. Abundance often follows a step of faith.
The oil flowed as she poured. When we act in faith—serving, giving, obeying—God multiplies what we offer.
4. Followers of Jesus are called to generous living.
Christ came so we might have life “more abundantly” (John 10:10). We reflect His heart by pouring out, not storing up.
So which shapes you, a mindset of scarcity or a mindset of abundance?
Reflection Questions
- Where do I see a scarcity mindset showing up in my life?
- What “jar of oil” has God already given me that I may be overlooking?
- Where is God inviting me to pour out—time, compassion, generosity, forgiveness?
Good morning readers,
I believe how we perceive our lives on this spectrum of scarcity versus abundance fundamentally shapes our experiences and the impact we can have. Are you someone who constantly feels like you're about to run out, clinging tightly to what you have? Or do you embrace the belief that there's always more where that came from?
This mindset is more than financial; it's a spiritual test of faith and trust. Scarcity originates in our minds long before it manifests in our wallets. It’s the belief that there isn’t enough. I’ve found inspiration in the words of the prophet Hagi: “You eat, but never have enough; you drink, but never have your fill…”
Reflecting on Scarcity and Abundance
Think back to the infamous toilet paper shortage of 2020. The panic that ensued was a profound display of the scarcity mindset. We saw a rush to hoard resources, driven by fear. But this illustrates a valuable lesson. God calls us to a life of abundance, a belief that there is more than enough through faith.
The New Testament is filled with affirmations of this abundance. The Apostle Paul in Ephesians assures us that God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” Living in abundance means trusting that God can and will provide beyond our expectations.
Lessons from a Personal Testimony
During the COVID pandemic, I was moved by a story from our Amber Lee community. A woman, despite facing financial difficulties, chose to give generously from the support she received. Her actions embody the truth that abundance is not about what's in our bank accounts but rather the God we serve and how we choose to think.
Embracing the Faith to Pour
How do we combat this scarcity mindset? We turn to biblical teachings for guidance. In the story from Second Kings, a widow, facing financial ruin, witnessed a miracle through the simple act of pouring what little she had. Elisha instructed her to gather empty jars and pour. Despite her doubts, she poured her last bit of oil, and God multiplied it supremely.
God often uses the insignificant to perform the extraordinary. Like the farmer who sees a seed not just as it is, but for what it can become when sown, we learn to see beyond our immediate limitations. The principle of tithing further supports this: giving our first tenth, regardless of how small, is a testament of our faith, and opens us to God’s greater blessings.
I vividly remember the times when I gauged my gasoline purchase by the contents of my wallet. Coming from a humble upbringing, I once believed fiercely in holding onto what little I had. But life's journey taught me otherwise. There was a pivotal shift when I learned that living generously, pouring out what I had freely, brought more fulfillment and blessing.
Freedom in Generosity
What you possess may be the key to breaking free from materialism. Pouring out your time, your compassion—this goes beyond finance. When we start pouring from the seemingly empty, God refills us in unimaginable ways. This idea was beautifully illustrated when a congregation member once entrusted the church with a significant gift simply because they believed in giving back after receiving so much.
A Call to Action
In this topsy-turvy world, God calls us to defy societal norms and live by His principles of giving and abundance. The Apostle Paul reminds us that God loves a cheerful giver and promises that generosity enriches our lives and others'.
To this end, I urge you to pursue a life of pouring out what you have—your resources, time, and kindness—unreservedly. There can be no greater response to a God who poured out His life for us than to do the same for others. Let's pray together for courage and faith to live counter-culturally, embracing the abundance that comes with a life of giving.
Amen.